Flinders health researchers share in $7.6 million

Flinders University researchers will share in grants worth more than $7.6 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

NHMRC grant recipient Professor Justine Smith

Flinders University researchers will share in grants worth more than $7.6 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to pursue studies ranging from airway surgery in obstructive sleep apnea to the genetic risk factors of blinding eye disease.

A total of seven researchers received $5,826,600 in funding under the NHMRC’s Standard Project Grants, three researchers were awarded $1,159,407 in fellowships and Strategic Professor of Psychiatry Ma-Li Wong received $501,174 through the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

Professor Douglas McEvoy was among the award recipients, receiving $1,139,177 for the Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints (SAVE) study, while Professor Fran Baum received $1,016,002 for regional population health planning, participation and equity.

Professor David Currow and Associate Professor Nicholas Spencer received two grants each for their respective research into lung and inflammatory bowel disease while Professor Wong will use her grant to study the long-term metabolic effects of stress and antidepressants.

In congratulating all recipients, Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor David Day, said the projects reflect the multidimensional and specialised nature of health and medical research at Flinders.

“The NHMRC supports the highest quality research, and Flinders University is proud to be part of this elite group of Australian researchers,” Professor Day said.

“Our researchers have a proven-track record of making meaningful contributions to research that translate to tangible health outcomes on a local, national and international scale,” he said.